Related stories from Bradenton Herald

"He was a positive presence on all the streets," said Isham, for whom Mr. Hargrave was a volunteer.

"An inspiration," Bradenton Gospel Tabernacle Pastor John Paul Marlow said of his congregant.

"An amazing young man. Tough, too," said DJ Dean Andree.

Mr. Hargrave was a regular at Joyland and Evie's Tavern in Ellenton, getting a lift or taking a cab to enjoy country music and karaoke.

His first song was always "The Chair," by George Strait.

"He was an absolute delight," Andree said. "He was a hit with the crowd and touched so many people."

People he may not have even known, either.

Every Friday when Bradenton Gospel Tabernacle distributed food to the needy, Mr. Hargrave would stack several boxes in his lap and bring them to homeless by the Manatee River.

"He never quit making friends, never quit caring for anyone he met in any station in life," Marlow said. "This man couldn't run and couldn't jump, yet he traveled farther in that little motorized scooter than anyone I know with two good legs. He was determined to live life to the fullest."

Take it from Zack Perrin, who works out at Palmetto's Electra Health Club & Spa and recalled Mr. Hargrave training there until he took ill.

"If I was in his position, I don't think I'd have had the same attitude as he did. He was always trying to do his best," Perrin said. "If my mindset wasn't there, he always brought it back for me."

Vin Mannix, local columnist, can be reached at 941-745-7055. Twitter:cface fontname="Regular" naxe="0" iaxis="0"/>

More Videos

11-year-old girl held at gunpoint, handcuffed by police

The Grand Rapids, Michigan, Police Department has opened an internal investigation after officers held an 11-year-old girl at gunpoint, handcuffed her and put her in the back of a cruiser during a search for a stabbing suspect last week.